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What is a companion and how to become one
A companion provides social and emotional support to individuals. Companions may work with seniors, people with disabilities, or those recovering from illness. A companion's role involves assisting with daily tasks, providing companionship, and offering emotional encouragement. Companions may also accompany clients on outings or appointments, help with meal preparation and light housekeeping, and provide transportation. Companions focus on building relationships and helping maintain a high quality of life for patients or clients.
Avg. Salary $29,246
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 36%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.07%
Asian 7.65%
Black or African American 11.09%
Hispanic or Latino 18.93%
Unknown 4.24%
White 57.02%
Genderfemale 87.88%
male 12.12%
Age - 50American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 50Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is excellent
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being a Companion?
Pros
Flexibility in work schedule
Ability to work independently
Competitive pay and benefits
Availability of part-time or full-time work options
No formal education or licensing requirements
Cons
Exposure to potentially dangerous situations, such as working with clients who have behavioral issues
Possibility of physical injury, such as lifting or assisting clients with mobility issues
Limited room for advancement within the field
Potential for burnout due to long hours and high stress levels
Clients may become reliant on companions for socialization, which can lead to emotional attachment and guilt when leaving a position
Companion career paths
Key steps to become a companion
Explore companion education requirements
Start to develop specific companion skills
Skills 
Percentages Companionship 19.75% Patients 16.14% Home Health 7.26% Provide Emotional Support 7.12% Patient Care 6.70% Gain additional companion certifications
More About CertificationsCompanion certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific companion certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for companions include Medical Assistant and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).
Research companion duties and responsibilities
- Assist residents with use of bedpans, urinals, commode, and bathroom and assist with routine catheter care.
- Experience with wind care, colostomy, fluid and electrolyte balance; assist with ambulation, ADL's and medication administration.
- Provide companionship to elderly patients which also include feeding and light bathing
- Perform first aid, knowledgeable with CPR.
Prepare your companion resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your companion resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a companion resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Companion Resume templates
Build a professional Companion resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Companion resume.
Apply for companion jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a companion job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Companion Job
Are you a Companion?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average companion salary
The average Companion salary in the United States is $29,246 per year or $14 per hour. Companion salaries range between $22,000 and $38,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do companions rate their job?
Companion reviews
Hard work, not enough staff, mandated a lot. Under appreciated!
Repetitive, work that I have been doing for over 20 years.
I like helping people and providing for their needs
The wages are not live-able at all.
Updated January 8, 2025
